For this week’s new album, I will review GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo. It is her sophomore album following her breakout album SOUR back in 2021. SOUR broke records at the time with the leading single, “driver’s licence,” which resonated with millions of listeners. I enjoyed many songs from the first album, but I love her slow and heartbreaking vocals more than the upbeat songs. I am going through this listen with open ears and an open mindset, wanting to give the album an honest chance. Also, I will mention that there are explicit songs throughout the album, so be mindful if that is something that you may be opposed to or for younger listeners.
Starting with the first track, “all-american bitch,” opens a soft sounding guitar pick pattern that carries throughout the verses but contrasts the lyrics. The song starts with her singing about different aspects of herself, such as her emotional awareness of others and how people perceive her, “I pay attention to things that most people ignore” and “I feel for your every little issue; I know just what you mean.” As the song progresses she gradually gets more angry, going against what everyone expects of her and being the “all-american GIRL.” She changes the regular tagline to “bitch” to show that she doesn’t have to follow the stereotypes. The overall essence of the song is very punk rock, similar to “good 4 u.”
Next, is the lead single, “vampire.” The song is a slower track discussing how someone betrayed her throughout their relationship and her realization of it. As the verse progresses, she carries the momentum into the pre-chorus, and once in the chorus, Rodrigo drops the rise she was building. The second verse does pick up more than the first, adding drums and a faster piano. The bridge is where the song takes a slight turn, as it is the fastest portion of the song; she digs into the central message of how the betrayer acted like a vampire. “You said it was true love, but wouldn’t that be hard? / You can’t love anyone, ’cause that would mean you had a heart… I should’ve known it was strange / You only come out at night. That person took her love and life like a vampire.
The next track is titled, “making the bed.” It is a slower song with the premise surrounding how Olivia is being forced to be someone she does not want to be. She is expected to fulfill expectations around her since she’s young and famous, and her life is not controlled. But she contrasts that notion near the middle and bridge, as she says regardless, it is all on her and it is her fault, “Push away all the people who know me the best / But it’s me who’s been making the bed / I’m so tired of bein’ the girl that I am / Every good thing has turned into something I dread” Production wise, the song is mainly a quiet guitar/bass strumming and picking lightly in the back, until the chorus, it picks up pairing it with synths, drums, and almost a very faint electric guitar.
“the grudge” is what can be considered the “drivers licence” of GUTS. It is a sad number that recounts a relationship which had left her scarred, as they have betrayed her love and trust. The partner called her to let her know it was over, leading Rodrigo to relive moments in their relationship and question the love, replay the fights in her head, and all the support they provided her. This beautiful song showcases her vocals in the bridge and choruses. I loved how they kept the production for this song simple, letting the story Olivia is singing about being the main focus. It is relatively consistent with the piano being the leading supporter of her vocals with the gradual inclusion of the plucking of either strings or a guitar.
The last song I will review from the album, is the final track, “teenage dream.” It is a reflection of herself: when is she going to “be wise,” and when will she be perceived as more than a “pretty young thing to guys?” She ponders that she has been told throughout her life, “They all say that it gets better, it gets better the more you grow,” she continuously repeats that as the song ends, serving as the outro. By the repetition, she is driven by the fact that she has been told this for so long, but she is wondering when this will actually happen. Having “teenage dream” as the last track, ties in with the entire premise of the album. Essentially, she is living through her youth, living and loving people, but she also experiences its hardships. Rodrigo does not want to fit into the boxes made for her by the media and public opinion; she wants to live her life without worrying about what others will think.
This album has been a great listen, but I am not much of a fan of her “punk alternative” sound. As for the softer, sadder songs, I am a fan of them. I found it interesting how she made all of the titles of the songs lowercase while the album title was in all capital letters. Throughout the album, Rodrigo takes us on a journey of living through our girlhood and navigating through the ups and downs. Overall, I thought the album was pretty good, but I prefer the softer, sadder songs to the upbeat, punk rock-sounding ones. I feel that there is more meaning and story behind those, and I can resonate with them more.
